Hong Kong came of age yesterday when a team comprising all locally born, or Asian Games-qualified players - barring Tim Alexander - lifted the Shield silverware with a magnificent display of rugby straight from the heart.
Wins over South Korea, Italy and Russia saw Hong Kong become the first team to etch their name on the brand new Shield. The home team have won plenty of silverware at past Sevens, but they were the first made up of players who were born or brought up in the city and came up through the grass roots.
'This is the first home-grown team to lift a trophy at the Hong Kong Sevens,' said delighted head coach Dai Rees. 'It is a magnificent achievement and we can now look forward to the Asian Games with fresh confidence.'
Hong Kong last won silverware at the Sevens in 2001 when they won the Bowl. But that team was filled with players who had been in town for only three years and playing under the IRB eligibility requirement.
As such, yesterday's victory was doubly deserved as Hong Kong defeated Russia 19-17 in the Shield final, sparking off joyous scenes.
'I know for some teams to win the Shield is not a big deal, but for us to win in Hong Kong, a tournament most of have been coming to for our whole lives is a dream come true,' said Rowan Varty, the two-try hero in the final. He also grabbed a hat-trick in the semi-finals against Italy.